Chapter 1

We hardly notice the ever present background noise of the city. Voices, cars, the thudding of a train speeding by. We filter it all out unconsciously. So when it suddenly stops the change is jarring. Or, it would have been if anyone had been conscious to notice. Bodies lay strewn out where they fell. Most in the safety of their own beds. Others were not so lucky. Hundreds of car crashes happened all over the city as nobody was controlling their vehicles any longer. Bones were broken as people limply fell down the stairs they were climbing.

This would have been enough to make this day go down in history as probably the strangest event that has befallen mankind. This however was merely a prelude to things to come. As all over the globe mankind slept strange lights started to play in the sky. All the colours of the rainbow, and some that could not fit in such a narrow definition, moved in strange patterns as a fog descended.

Appearing out of the swirling lights it covered the city, like all others. Finding its way into every buildings and tunnels. Spreading out until it no nook or cranny remained untouched. Whenever it found a human it would start a transformational process as the microscopic robots that made up the fog entered into the unconscious people. Setting to work as they fulfilled their purpose. First repairing damage, be it from accidents, violence or merely genetics. Mankind was being remade into healthier more efficient beings.

This was merely the first step though as the changes moved away from what was human. Setting up pathways throughout the body. Preparing it for future changes and designs.

Other nanites went after what on earth passed for technology. Taking over or tweaking electronic devices for their own purposes. Soon the interconnected network of information was gone. Replaced by something else.

Yet more machines went to work converting materials all over the globe into constructs. Some esoteric and indecipherable. While others purposes were all too clear.

As the cloud finished up its work humanity woke up to a world changed. A world no longer indisputably their own.

For a blissful moment upon waking Jacob didn't know anything had changed. Thinking this was a day like any other he stretched lazily. Not yet ready to get out of bed and face the new day he turned over. His relaxed state was soon shattered however as a blaring sound pierced his foggy mind. Jolting fully awake he looked around for the source of the sound. Finding it to be his television he reached for the remote to turn it off, before noticing exactly what was on the TV.

His mind raced to catch up as he saw himself depicted standing naked. Blond hair unkempt and blue eyes staring intensely. The Jacob in the TV made eye-contact and spoke with his own voice.

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“This is most likely a disorienting experience for you. However the world has changed and you need to be informed of the nature of this change.”

Pausing slightly to make sure the freshly awoken Jacob was paying attention.

“This planet is now under the management of the Gibborim, who in their infinite wisdom and compassion have decided to uplift mankind. They will free you from weakness, mortality and the restrictions placed upon the mighty. No longer shall you be prevented from reaching your full potential.”

The Jacob on the screen spread his arms and his flesh undulated. Growing larger, more muscular and in every way more... perfect. After seconds of this transformation he started glowing and radiant wings of light burst out behind him.

“This is but one of the many paths you might take Jacob. As long as you embrace destiny and fulfill the will of the Gibborim there are no limits upon what you might achieve or become.”

Slowly returning back to a man of moderate build of someone not spending too much effort on it. The image again addressed the stunned human.

“Now lift your left arm in front of you, bend your elbow and look at your forearm.”

Not quite comprehending what was going on Jacob decided this was a dream. That was until pain lanced through his left arm and an irresistible urge to move it into position manifested.

“Son of a-!” Jacob erupted as his arm jerked into position. “What the fuck?”

Instead of gazing upon his forearm a floating square blocked his view. Displaying the same image as the television the forearm Jacob spoke.

“This is your interface, its purpose is to serve as a way to impart information to your primitive mind in an understandable manner.”

As the image gestured to its side numbers and text appeared. A '100' at the top and then beneath it two squares that said 'modification' and 'possessions'.

“The number at the top is your points. You can use them for various purposes. However, the end-goal is for them to aid you in ascending. Spend them wisely, for the only ways to get them is through missions, exceptional deeds and the slaying of others who walk the path of ascendancy.”

The text faded away and was replaced by the image of a floating glowing pylon.

“These are the the markers of your boundary. It is highly advised that you do not go past them if you value your life. If they appear that is a sign for you to turn around. In their infinite wisdom the Gibborim have decided that it's best for you to remain in Stockholm. With this your introduction is completed. There will be a period before anything dangerous starts to appear and your first mission is given. You are highly advised to prepare yourself and improve in whatever way is possible. Good luck in ascending Jacob Dahl.”

For several moments after the miniature Jacob disappeared he just sat there. Eventually he let out a profound. “The fuck.”. However hard he kept trying to wrap his head around what had just happened he kept coming up with 'it was all a dream'. Shortly followed by him looking down at his left wrist and seeing the screen appear again and again.

Taking himself out of his stupor he went and grabbed his phone. Unlocking it and opening upp a newsapp to see if anything was mentioned. Upon opening the app the only thing there was a message stating 'Restricted access for ascender Jacob Dahl'.

Closing the app down he tried opening up the web-browser only to see the same message. No matter which app he tried. If it used the internet it displayed the same message.

Next up trying to call his mother only returned the same message. It would seem the world just became a whole lot less connected.

Wandering over to his window Jacob pulled the blinds up and looked out. All around were confused people looking at their wrists and shouting at eachother. Objects were strewn about in disarray as they had been dropped. Jacob even saw a car crashed into a stoplight which had bent dangerously.

“Well fuck me. It seems this is really happening. Gibborim huh...”

Trying to decide what to do he finally decided that it would be easier to plan out his course of action after eating breakfast. Luckily the refrigerator and various kitchen appliances seemed to still function. Taking milk from the fridge and cereal from cupboard he began the complex task pouring them into a bowl.

Sitting by the kitchen table with his breakfast in front of him he pondered the future. What would become of them? What were the Gibborim? And what was he supposed to do.